An 83-year-old sheikh from Rahat, who is the father of 45 children, was questioned by the Southern District Central Unit on suspicion of polygamy and violations of the Entry into Israel Law.

According to suspicions, the man married nine women over the years in accordance with Sharia law, and last April married an additional woman, an Israeli resident.

The investigation was opened by the Central Unit's Polygamy Department following information received in May 2026. Investigators found that five of the suspect's wives are not Israeli residents, including residents of the Palestinian Authority who are suspected of having stayed in Israel without legal permits.

Last week, investigators located one of the women, a resident of the Dahariya area. She was detained for questioning and later removed from Israel.

The suspect was questioned on suspicion of polygamy, as well as harboring and transporting illegal infiltrators. He was released under restrictive conditions, including house arrest.

At the same time, the Polygamy Department is conducting a separate investigation into a 40-year-old resident of Bir Hadaj. In July, police received a report that the man, who was allegedly already married to two women, intended to marry a third.

According to suspicions, the wedding took place on July 30, and shortly afterward the man and his third wife traveled to Barcelona for their honeymoon. On August 15, immediately upon their return to Israel, he was arrested in a joint operation by Southern District Central Unit detectives and Ben Gurion Airport Police detectives.

The third woman was detained for questioning and to provide testimony, while investigators also took statements from the suspect's two other wives, who live in his home. The man was questioned on suspicion of polygamy and released under restrictive conditions. Police said additional evidence had been collected linking him to the offense.

Both investigations are ongoing, and the Southern District Central Unit intends to conduct additional investigative measures. Once completed, the cases will be transferred to the Southern District Prosecutor's Office for a decision regarding additional legal proceedings.

Police noted that the Polygamy Department of the Southern District Central Unit was established at the end of 2024 by decision of, and with funding from, the Ministry of National Security, in cooperation with Israel Police. The department coordinates police efforts to address polygamy in southern Israel and related offenses.

According to police, the department has already conducted investigations, arrested suspects, and filed indictments for polygamy and related offenses. Police described the phenomenon as "unacceptable and serious," noting its consequences for women, minors, and the family and community structure.